There are seven days in a week, but unfortunately I’m here for just one. Work dictates that getting on a flight somewhere isn’t an option. Enter a staycation at Le Méridien Saigon; it ticks everything on the list for an awesome stay away from home — great location along the Saigon River, five-star amenities, luxurious rooms, and fantastic buffet options.

It’s uncertain how many resort reviews are written at poolside bars, but this adds another to the tally. It’s mid-June at Amiana Resort Nha Trang, and while text messages from Saigon bring news of heavy rain flooding the streets there, the only water here is the gentle swell lapping up against the shore just metres away from the bar.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is a secluded luxury resort on the East Sea. Only accessible by a 20-minute boat ride, as you approach the resort you slowly fall off the map. The ride is a buffer between you and the rest of the world.

After a restful night aboard the Victoria Express, we arrive at Lao Cai Station as night fades into day. We are welcomed by our driver and start the one-hour journey to Sapa as the sun comes up. Even though it’s early, it’s a lovely way to start a relaxing weekend getaway in this former hill station.

Surrounded by mountains, rivers and rice fields, and located 22km by road from the centre of Phong Nha, Chay Lap Farmstay has the benefit of location; it’s next to the entrance of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, 3km away from Dark Cave, 4km away from Mooc Stream and just 6km away from Paradise Cave.